About this Book

Reading Guide Questions

Please be aware that this discussion guide may contain spoilers!

About the Book

On the same night that Silas Heaps seventh son, Septimus, is pronounced dead at
birth, Silas comes across an abandoned baby in the Forest. The Heap family takes
her in to raise as their own, unaware that she is the Royal Princess. Ten years
later, the
Supreme Custodian, who has been searching for the baby now named Jenna, and his
hired Assassin have discovered her whereabouts. To save Jennas life, the Heaps
must take the Princess deep into the marshes to hide. Escaping with the Heaps
are
Marcia, the ousted ExtraOrdinary Wizard, and Boy 412, an unwilling participant
from
the Young Army. But fate has placed Boy 412 with the fleeing wizards for a
reason.

Pre-reading Activity

Discuss how a books cover art may predict the story or how it may be
misleading.
Examine the cover of Magyk and discuss the symbols and other illustrations
featured. Have students write a description of what these items may represent.

Discussion Questions

Marcia, the ExtraOrdinary Wizard, leaves a baby girl in the Forest for Silas
Heap
to find. Why do you think Marcia chooses Silas as the wizard to raise this
child? Is
there something unique about Silas or his family that causes her to make this
decision?

A hired Assassin discovers what the Princess looks like and where she has
been
living. If you accidentally discovered Jennas true identity, would you tell
anyone?
If so, which character in Magyk would you confide your knowledge to and why?

DomDaniel thinks his inept Apprentice is important in a grandiose plan to
regain
his position as the ExtraOrdinary Wizard. What does DomDaniel think he knows
about the Apprentice that makes this boy valuable to his plans? Do you think
DomDaniel is correct in his assumption? If you knew the Apprentices identity,
would you tell him or his Master?

Jenna wants to know what happened when DomDaniel climbed the Wizard Tower
and "disappeared." Why do people, even the wizards, think he is gone? Would
you have believed his disappearance if you had seen what Alther Mella did from
atop the tower?

While walking through the marsh, Silas falls and is quickly pulled down into
the
bog. If you were Silas and knew what was down under the mud yanking on your
hair, would you have panicked? What do you think would have happened if the Boggart hadnt used his unique method to release Silas?

When Boy 412 gets lost in the marsh fog, he falls headfirst down a hole and
finds
a mysterious object at the bottom. Does he share his discovery with anyone else,
or even the fact that he has found a secret place? Why do you think he makes
the choice he does?

If you found a Magyk book, what kinds of things might you find in the
pockets?
If you made a Magyk book, what types of items would you put in the pockets to
imprint your spells?

When Simon, the eldest Heap son, disappears, Silas is frantic. Where is Simon
and what does the Supreme Custodian offer him? Where you surprised by
Simons response? How would you have reacted in Simons place, considering his
role in the Heap family?

Silas asks Morwenna, a Wendron Witch, to help him find Simon. Why does
Morwenna agree to help? If you were in her place, would you have felt a debt to
Silas? Is Sarah rightfully bewildered by Morwennas comment about the other
three Heap children who are not present? Does Morwenna know something Sarah
doesnt?

Boy 412 agrees to become Marcias Apprentice and is told that, in return for
his
consent, he can make a request of her. What does he request of the reinstated ExtraOrdinary Wizard? Do you think the answer will change his life? If you could
place a different Magyk character in Boy 412s place, who would it be and what
would you have him or her ask for?

Visit www.septimusheap.com to learn more about this exciting series!

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of HarperTrophy.
Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.

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